Cross-dresser detained at Prophet's Mosque in Saudi

Arab man entered Islamic site dressed as woman in order to snatch purses - report

The Prophets Mosque in Madinah.

By Daniel Shane

Sun 30 Jun 2013 10:30 AM

Security forces in the Saudi Arabian city of Madinah detained a man after he was caught entering the Prophet’s Mosque dressed in drag, it has been reported.

According to English language Saudi Gazette, the Arab expatriate had entered the women’s section of the mosque, which is one of the Gulf country’s two holiest Islamic sites along with the Majid Al Haram in Makkah.

Female security personnel became suspicious of the manner in which the suspect walked, and on approaching the individual confirmed it was a man.

A spokesman for Madinah police told the newspaper that the cross-dresser had entered the mosque in order to steal purses from female worshippers while they performed prayers.

Cross-dressing is considered a crime across all of the Arabian Gulf countries, with the practice banned by Shariah law.